The Coming War Against Iran

We’ve been through this before: the trumped-up threat from Iraq based on false evidence in 2003 is the harrowingly similar model to what is emerging for Iran in 2018, argues John Kiriakou.

By John Kiriakou

I spent nearly 15 years in the CIA. I like to think that I learned something there. I learned how the federal bureaucracy works. I learned that cowboys in government – in the CIA and elsewhere around government – can have incredible power over the creation of policy. I learned that the CIA will push the envelope of legality until somebody in a position of authority pushes back. I learned that the CIA can wage war without any thought whatsoever as to how things will work out in the end. There’s never an exit strategy.

I learned all of that firsthand in the run-up to the invasion of Iraq. In the spring of 2002, I was in Pakistan working against al-Qaeda. I returned to CIA headquarters in May of that year and was told that several months earlier a decision had been made at the White House to invade Iraq. I was dumbfounded, and when told of the war plans could only muster, “But we haven’t caught bin Laden yet.” “The decision has already been made,” my supervisor told me. He continued, “Next year, in February, we’re going to invade Iraq, overthrow Saddam Hussein, and open the world’s largest air force base in southern Iraq.” He went on, “We’re going to go to the United Nations and pretend that we want a Security Council Resolution. But the truth is that the decision has already been made.”

Next Year: Saddam

Soon after, Secretary of State Colin Powell began traveling around Europe and the Middle East to cultivate support for the invasion. Sure enough, he also went to the United Nations and argued that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, necessitating an invasion and overthrow because that country posed an imminent threat to the United States.

But the whole case was built on a lie. A decision was made and then the “facts” were created around the decision to support it. I think the same thing is happening now.

Iraq Redux

First, Donald Trump said repeatedly during the 2016 campaign that he would pull out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) (which he did on Tuesday), also known as the Iran sanctions deal. The JCPOA allows for international inspectors to examine all of Iran’s nuclear sites to ensure that the country is not enriching uranium and is not building a weapons program. In exchange, Western countries have lifted sanctions on Iran, allowing them to buy spare parts, medicines, and other things that they had been unable to acquire. Despite the protestations of conservatives in Congress and elsewhere, the JCPOA works. Indeed, the inspection regime is exactly the same one that the United Nations imposed on Iraq in the last two decades.

Trump has kept up his anti-Iran rhetoric since becoming president. More importantly, he has appointed Iran hawks to the two most important positions in foreign policy: former CIA Director Mike Pompeo as secretary of state and former US ambassador to the UN John Bolton as national security advisor. The two have made clear that their preferred policy toward Iran is “regime change,” a policy that is actually prohibited by international law.

Perhaps the most troubling development, however, is the apparent de facto alliance against Iran by Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent “presentation” on what he called a clandestine Iranian nuclear weapons program was embarrassingly similar to Powell’s heavily scripted speech before the UN Security Council 15 years earlier telling the world that Iraq had a program. That, too, was a lie.

Another Hyped Threat

MBS: Hyping it.

Saudi crown prince Muhammad bin Salman, the godfather of the Saudi war in Yemen, which in turn is a proxy war against Iran, recently made a grand tour of the United States and France talking about “the Iranian threat” at every turn. The rhetoric coming out of the UAE and Bahrain is at least as hostile as what has been spewed by the Saudis.

Meanwhile, there’s silence on Capitol Hill. Just like there was in 2002.

I can tell you from firsthand experience, that I’ve seen this before. Our government is laying the groundwork for yet another war. Be on the lookout for several things. First, Trump is going to begin shouting about the “threat” from Iran. It will become a daily mantra. He’ll argue that Iran is actively hostile and poses an immediate danger to the United States. Next Pompeo will head back to the Middle East and Europe to garner support for military action. Then US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley will scream in front of the UN Security Council that the US has no choice but to protect itself and its allies from Iran. The final shoe to drop – a clear indication of war – will be if naval carrier battle groups are deployed to the eastern Mediterranean, the Arabian Sea, or the Persian Gulf. Sure, there’s always one in the region anyway. But more than one is a provocation.

We have to be diligent in opposing this run into another war of choice. We can’t be tricked or taken by surprise. Not again.

John Kiriakou is a former CIA counterterrorism officer and a former senior investigator with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. John became the sixth whistleblower indicted by the Obama administration under the Espionage Act – a law designed to punish spies. He served 23 months in prison as a result of his attempts to oppose the Bush administration’s torture program.

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114 comments for “The Coming War Against Iran”

Frederick W Coleman111

May 13, 2018 at 11:05 pm

Iran is a danger to our ally Israel, only.It threatens ,in no way our interests, as we are now approaching the ability to no longer be held captive by Middle East oil.We are an exporter.
I can understand that we need support our allies,but to the extent that we have constantly,historically,been manipulated into sacrificing American lives and treasure to fight their battles for them,the Israelis,that argument begins to become burdensome.
At worst,and if absolutely need be,we must support them,but maybe a more truncated approach,than in past conflicts may be necessary.We supply air and naval power resources to accommodate Israel’s actions,and maybe special operators in targetting or assessments,logistical support etc,but no more American kids slaughtered for others interests.They simply make fools of us through Aipac etc in buying and enforcing our support,thru federal reserve,media,finance,where they maintain a predominance of influence in America.
What does America gain in these circumstances,where we have this continual bleed of resources and blood?What does America get in return,another pollard,whose secrets are sold to our enemies to garner additional Russian compliance in allowing more Jewish emigres from there to Israel.Is that really the type of ally we should not be suspicious of,as to where their loyalties may reside?Throw up a ring of steel around Iran,starve them out,if need be.Subvert the validity of a leadership comprised of vicious old imams,to a newly modernized,outward looking youth,but please no more of our youth coming home in body bags or maimed for life.
This game ,that has been played for decades ,is through,the internet,becoming more apparent to all,especially American youth,don’t overplay your hand and cause a societal upheaval in America,because when all becomes apparent,you well may no longer be able to buy the support you need.

Vivian O'Blivion

May 14, 2018 at 6:30 am

Your argument isn’t so much an excuse for exceptionalism as a fanfare for exceptionalism. It’s okay to wage an entirely unjustified war and slaughter innocent Iranians jus so long as none of “our boys” get harmed. Get a grip!

Skip Scott

May 14, 2018 at 7:35 am

Unfortunately Mr. Coleman’s are too widely held. It is one of the reasons our government gets away with war crimes.

ThomasGilroy

May 12, 2018 at 3:05 pm

Despite the protestations of conservatives in Congress and elsewhere, the JCPOA works. Indeed, the inspection regime is exactly the same one that the United Nations imposed on Iraq in the last two decades

Liberals are understandably panicked about what Donald Trump can carry out. “We have a president-elect with authoritarian tendencies assuming a presidency that has never been more powerful,” Franklin Foer wrote this past week in Slate. Trump will command not only a massive nuclear arsenal and the most robust military in history, but also the ability to wage numerous wars in secret and without congressional authorization; a ubiquitous system of electronic surveillance that can reach most forms of human communication and activity; and countless methods for shielding himself from judicial accountability, congressional oversight and the rule of law — exactly what the Constitution was created to prevent. Trump assumes the presidency “at the peak of its imperial powers,” as Foer put it

But Glenn left out that President Obama bypassed Congress to conclude the Iran Nuclear Agreement. Congress opposed the nuclear agreement in its present format – especially easing sanctions on Iran. Obama made a “political commitment” which is legal, but non binding in international law. Had he gone through Congress (and it passed), he had the force of international law behind the agreement. In addition, he would have had the elected representatives of the people backing the agreement. The reason why Glenn left this out is because he undoubtedly supports “Presidential powers” in this particular case.

Much ado has been made about the fact of Obama bypassing Congress on this decision. He could not have gone to Congress, however, and it would not have mattered what information he brought to them about Iran, as the Republican dominated Congress was dead set against working with him in any way, going back to Day One of his presidency, as declared by Mitch McConnell. It’s no wonder Obama finally gave up and started issuing more executive orders in the last years of his second term.

Offspring

May 21, 2018 at 10:55 pm

The Iran deal between 6 countrys was adopted by U.N. Security council and is by that international law!

mike k

May 12, 2018 at 8:10 am

The only force that can stop the American War Machine is the American people. Until they come together to do this, this insane machine will continue on it’s course of death and destruction, until it implodes and destroys all of us.

For your deeper insight than most, and for having the courage to call these crazies on their game plan to stick it to Iran even after the debacle in Iraq. What is the meaning of democracy, after all, if you have lost your economy, stable food supply and health and education systems? Joe sandle-repair-man in Bagdhad used to have a stable future for his family. Now he’s lost half his sons and is sitting on a pile of sand. But, he has his purple thiumb to hold up.

As the song says, “When Will They Ever Learn” ? Hang in there VIPS! A lot of citizens still need you.

I know my legislators, already, know how I feel about these illegal wars, but, they don’t care. My Democratic Party votes don’t matter; because, the Superdelegates overwhelm the regular delegates. Why don’t more people care about this? The ordinary citizens of the US should care about the ordinary citizens of another country.

If Democrats could come back to their human roots, instead of playing footsie with Wall Street a la Bernie Sanders, and the MII (Military-Industrial-Information) complex, maybe they could get their party back. I do think the ordinary citizens of all the world’s countries do care as you say, it’s only their leaders that have lost their way. This is probably because corporations and dark private money really control the political theater and our government’s foreign policy, not regular folks like us. War is a way of life for them – but not for the rest of us. So, what can we really (non-violently) DO about this situation? Hand wringing will only let off a little steam. We’ve got to come together.

Shonun

May 13, 2018 at 12:00 am

Well said, Howard. It’s very unfortunate that many Trump supporters also entirely misunderstand the composition of the deep state to which they often refer, mistakenly believing that it’s “evil liberals” and Democrats. Of course this view is reinforced by conservative hate radio, because of course the deep state is actually the corporatocracy, of which the leadership is primarily conservative. Ask the average conservative citizen who the American Legislative Exchange Council is and they will have no clue. Same is true for most of the work that the Koch Brothers do. They and others akin to them ARE the shadow government. Their carefully contrived political work, with the use of the media, helps to create and polarize – and energize – the divide between liberal and conservative citizens. Until we can come together, and all of us recognize our true common enemy, nothing will change.

Skip Scott

May 13, 2018 at 6:46 am

Shonun-

I don’t know if it is purposeful or not, but you are obfuscating the issue:

“It’s very unfortunate that many Trump supporters also entirely misunderstand the composition of the deep state to which they often refer, mistakenly believing that it’s “evil liberals” and Democrats.”

The divide is not between conservatives and liberals, or between Republicans and Democrats, but between Nationalists and the forces of Globalization (“corporatocracy”) that have infected both parties. Hillary Clinton was a willing co-conspirator in the “Corporatocracy”, while Donald Trump campaigned as a “Nationalist”. Of course, like all recent presidents before him, he has reneged on all his campaign promises except those that serve the “Corporatists”.

I agree that we have to come together to fight the “Corporatocracy”. That alliance should be made between the real “Progressives” and “Libertarians” like Ron Paul. We can worry about the genuine debate to be had about the extent of the roll of government in a free society after we have dismantled the “Corporatocracy” and its servant war machine, but only through Nationalism can we have a government “of, by, and for the People”.

Dave P.

May 14, 2018 at 12:32 am

Well said Skip.

“That alliance should be made between the real “Progressives” and “Libertarians” like Ron Paul.”

I completely agree. Yes, that is what needs to be done.

Gregory Kruse

May 11, 2018 at 6:55 pm

Of course, John is right. It is the consensus among thoughtful people. But Trump supporters are not thoughtful people, and they will go along with whatever. The people of Germany who somehow survived the 2nd World War were probably deeply relieved that Hitler was finally defeated, and came to a bad end. But the damage was already done, and there is no way to undo it.

backwardsevolution

May 11, 2018 at 10:03 pm

Gregory Kruse – “But Trump supporters are not thoughtful people…”

I support Trump, and I think of myself as a thoughtful person. When Trump wrote his own Inaugural Speech, he said he wanted to stop the wars, cut back or end NATO, and bring jobs back. I think he meant this. He didn’t have to lie at this point; he had already been elected President.

To me, it has been those on the Left, the people who believe in Russiagate and want him impeached (with no evidence), the media, the FBI, CIA, Department of Justice, the neocons, the Mueller investigation, the Democrats and many in his own party who have pushed him into a corner.

It is the Left who are have been beating the drums of war right alongside the neocons. Had they gotten behind Trump, instead of crucifying him, the situation might have looked a whole lot different.

Those most opposed to Trump right from the beginning are being used by various entities: the multinational corporations who offshored the jobs and want to see globalization continue, the politicians beholden to those corporations, the neocons and military contractors who want more war, and the Chambers of Commerce who want cheap labor to continue coming across the border.

CitizenOne

May 11, 2018 at 11:18 pm

Hey Backwardsevolution,

I have got to agree with you about Russia Gate in its purest form which evolved from a coalition between the Intelligence Agencies (all 17 of them), the Military Industrial Complex and the Democrats in Congress who all fabricated nonsense about how Russia and Russians stole the election from Hillary Clinton.

I am fairly sure nobody except Democrats in Congress believe that and they probably do not believe it anymore.

It is a debunked theory. Mueller himself could not find any evidence of collusion although by this point I firmly believe we as a collective whole have forgotten that story and are now firmly affixed on the boob tube as Stormy Daniels lawyer is getting more airtime than the British Royalty.

The MSM are a lot in complete control of our emotions and our thoughts as a collective hive mind. They can turn on the afterburners and flame anyone they want to burn or elevate anyone with a pair of lips and lungs to genius status or to the idiot class.

The way they manipulate the soundbites and lie their asses off

John McCain is a traitor.
North Korea surrenders to the West
Israel finds within 24 hours finds every Iranian in Syria and wipes them out.

It all sounds like a fairy tale. Perhaps it is truth but I believe that there would have never been an easier capitulation of long term enemies of the United States and Israel than the recent news that we have just wrapped up World Peace, ended Hunger and Poverty and sealed the deal with China and Russia that every nation would become republican party lackies all because of the magic of the deal maker Donald Trump.

Does this seem too easy or did all of the Americans who died in foreign wars simply not have the benefit of Jesus Christ in the White House?

COMMIEPINKO

May 13, 2018 at 6:40 pm

why are you a Trump supporter? are you blind?

Bill Goldman

May 11, 2018 at 6:54 pm

It takes a whistleblower to tell the truth when most of the brainwashed sausages and lemmings are afraid of it. Good job, Kiriakou. Real sorry that you spent time in stir. Do you think the public will ever wise up that “war is a racket” and that “capitalists (mega corporations) are the racketeers”.

John Truth

May 11, 2018 at 4:04 pm

While I agree Russia should step in because they are next on the hit list along with China, how many of you ordering Russia to stop the madness are doing anything to stop it yourselves? Are you going to stop paying taxes, renounce your citizenship, boycott Israeli and American businesses, make some noise in the US among your friends and work colleagues, disown them if they keep supporting the empire, move to Russia and help their economy and pay taxes there?

Or are you just going to post on an online message board while giving tacit support to the empires. We’ve seen too many words. It’s time for action. I’m moving and renouncing.

Anon

May 12, 2018 at 10:10 am

That sounds like the old pro-VietnamWar “go back to Russia” gambit.
If reformers move to Russia, they would weaken the US reform movements.
If reformers stop paying taxes and make their views known at work, they will be attacked.
If they engage in education and BDS they may have some effect.

Mr Kiriakou like Ray McGovern should be commended for speaking truth in an era when as one prophet said “truth has fallen in the streets”. Both men have paid the price for attempting to do so. One should never underestimate (1) The Iranian willingness to sacrifice, (2) The ability of Putin to defend Mother Russia, (3) The willingness of Washington and Tel Aviv elites to sacrifice millions of lives (other than their own, including their own citizenry. I have never understood the thinking of certain Zionist “neo-conmen” but I know they exist. Nuclear War will not destroy our civilization completely but America and many other nations will pay a terrible price.

Curious

May 11, 2018 at 3:46 pm

Here are a couple of thoughts, if someone has some clarity in the comment section.
1- Can Iran actually close the Strait of Hormuz? It runs along Bahrain,Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. That is a lot of countries which may have to pick sides in a dispute as one becomes involved in an Iran conflict (war)
2- Russia has even mentioned the idea of giving the S-300 free to Iran, and Lavrov said they are under no longer any moral obligation not to as the did before for the world community by delaying delivery. Of course the Israeli defense minister, Lieberman, has said any planes shot down would be an act of aggression, even if those planes are in Iran. It’s a bit of twisted logic, assuming the world is on the side of Israel no doubt.
3- There is a very large desalination facility in Southern Iran. Do people think Iran will just say, “oh well”. Iran is not the only beneficial player in this water.
4- Iran still has nuclear facilities even though they have lived up to the nuclear agreement. Their heavy water is sold to the world market as it considered a very good, and pure product in relation to other other sources. The release of heavy water is no joke.
5- Our Mr Bolton salivates with the Zionists regarding the toppling of the regime, but if his past is any reflection of his military skills one should be very concerned.
6- Bibi, with his lack of joining the world in nuclear declaration and allowing inspectors into his facilities also leaves himself open to an attack, and many in the world will blame anyone except Israel if the bombs go off.
7- Hezbollah has already threatened Israels’ storage tanks of ammonia, consisting of 12,000 tons operated by Haifa Chemicals if any aggression heats up, and although it is expected to be drained by July 31st, it creates a very good target. The storage of Israels Chlorine storage has also been voiced by Hezbollah as a goner if things heat up in Lebanon. I imagine if Iran is attacked they would have no problem doing some significant damage to Israel as well.

If we hear the words “slam dunk” again we know that part of the world, and maybe Europe and many other countries are at risk. If Israel releases its nuclear weapons, the fall out will not be contained to Iran. this talk of hitting Iran is madness, pure and simple evil madness.

@ “1- Can Iran actually close the Strait of Hormuz? It runs along Bahrain,Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. That is a lot of countries which may have to pick sides in a dispute as one becomes involved in an Iran conflict (war)”

Undoubtedly, yes. Iran has ground to ship missiles aplenty dispersed and dug into the mountains to the north of the Strait. It also has a very large fleet of dispersed mine-laying fast boats and mini-submarines. Iran has put a lot of preparation into its ability to close the Strait. They don’t need a nuclear weapon; they can halt the shipment of about 30% of the world’s oil, which would devastate western economies.

U.S. Navy tests of their minesweepers a very few years had abysmal results. As I recall they found only two of 20 practice mines. So the U.S. clearing the Strait of mines would be a very lengthy task.

CitizenOne

May 11, 2018 at 11:54 pm

Can we envision an American led attack on Iran over the Straight of Hormuz? Absolutely. The recent attacks and the withdrawal of the US from the Iranian Antinuclear Deal have set up Israel and the US to ally themselves in a war with Iran which is supported by the neocons and the war hawks in both the Republican and Democratic parties in Washington.

David

May 11, 2018 at 5:45 pm

Can Iran actually close the Strait of Hormuz?

Yes. The Strait is a virtual bathtub. Apart from those sunk in a war, all it will take is a good number of scuttled ships at key locations.

Britton Kerin

May 11, 2018 at 3:32 pm

Best single batch of talking points on the question of whether Israel would try to provoke a response to start a war:

Britton Kerin – “In fact, by the time his New York Times OpEd was published Sharon had been personally directing this “terrorist” operation for a full year. Even more remarkably, one of the objectives of this covert operation was precisely to goad the PLO into resorting to “terrorism” so as to provide Israel with a justification to invade Lebanon.”

Yes, they just keep provoking and provoking you, and then when you finally retaliate they pretend to be in shock and horror at what’s been done to them in response. You’re branded a terrorist, and because they own the media, they’re branded the victim

No guilt whatsoever on their part. That’s the difference between us and them. We actually have a conscience.

Oakland Pete

May 12, 2018 at 6:49 pm

So you criticize Israel and support Trump. No wonder you call yourself “backwards”. I notice that on this website, where so many are enthusiastic about Johnstone’s slanders, and where attack dogs like Abe are so quick to jump in, no one has anything to say about bassackwards’ declaration of his support for Trump. And the difference between us and them is what again? After what Kiriakou wrote about the U.S. falsifying its decision to launch its attack on Iraq? You really read this article and didn’t get it?

Cassandra

May 11, 2018 at 11:32 am

I am sure John Kiriakou „learned something“ during his 15 yrs in the CIA but apparently the ability to see the evil „Mr.Hyde“ behind the benign „Dr.Jekyll“ facade of the CIA was apparently not part of his experience.

Why does he use euphemistic language („cowboys in government“, „push the envelope of legality“) to describe the illegitimate and cunning ways in which the CIA gets „incredible power over the creation of policy“?

The incredible naivité of (the otherwise intelligent) Kiriakou („..but we haven’t caught Bin Laden yet!“) regarding the phony „war on terror“ (in which he took part as a „counterterrorism-officer“) and the real role of the CIA in foreign-policy „decision-making“ is shocking.

We all remember Colin Powell at the UN with his vial and dramatic rhetoric but he was only repeating the fraudulent „slam dunk“ intel that he had been fed by the CIA and other so-called „national security“ advisors (and personally had doubts so he reportedly insisted that George Tenet and John Negroponte sit behind him while he was reading from their „script“; just looking at their „guilty“ faces shows (heads bowed down) that they knew it was all a big lie)

President Trump (ignorant and narcissistic) is undoubtedly the „idiot-in-chief“ so manipulating him with disinformation (no matter how ludicrous) is indeed a „piece of cake“ for the Zionists as the scuttling of the JCPOA clearly demonstrates (but it had already been violated under Obama, i.e. ongoing freezing of Iranian assets and impeding Iranian access to international financial transactions; see also Brooking’s revealing „Which Path to Persia?)

Pompeo and Bolton are not „hawks“ (this is kindergarden rhetoric), they are Zionist puppets („neocons“ is also a misleading term) and therefore extremely dangerous.

„The truth shall set you free“ (chiseled into the marble at the entrance of the CIA building in Langley, was selected by Allan Dulles).

I would suggest other appropriate „mottos“ for the CIA (all from Niccolo Machiavelli):

All knowledge when separated from virtue and justice, is seen to be cunning.

No one can be called a good man who, in order to support himself, takes up a profession that obliges him at all times to be rapacious, fraudulent, and cruel, as of course must be all of those no matter what their rank, who make a trade of war.

Everyone sees what you seem to be, few know what you really are, and those few do not dare to take a stand against the general opinion.

mike k

May 11, 2018 at 12:19 pm

You are seeing things very clearly Cassandra.

rosemerry

May 11, 2018 at 3:08 pm

Excellent reply, cassandra.

CitizenOne

May 12, 2018 at 12:33 am

Those few cannot stand against the general opinion. Their voices are muted and the giant establishment convinces us they are in bed with the enemy.

John McCain is a traitor called “Whistling John” and the White House claims he should be disregarded because he has brain cancer and is a dead man walking. He is dying anyway. What is this creepy anticipation of the death of an opponent other than a murder wish? What if he was healthy? Would the Trump White House try to kill him to gain the same advantage they have gained by stomping on his grave?

This White House has no morality or ethics. They dishonor our war heroes and make fun of their life threatening diseases hoping they will soon die for the mere reason that they intellectually and morally oppose the wanton cruelty the advocate. This sick and terminally ill mentality must be excised from our body politic because it is toxic and basically murderous in its intent to portray afflicted national heroes of our nation as lepers and despicable nobodies to be spit upon merely for the opportunistic trashing of their entire life works at the end of their days.

Assassins is not to harsh a term for the abysmal and morally derelict and corrupt words used to slime John McCain as he battles cancer inside his head and cancer inside our government and our Executive Branch.

Great job John McCain. Now you know who are your true enemies. They reside in the White House. They do not care one whit if you die and they will spit on your grave. They have no appreciation for the sacrifice you made. While Donald Trump received five deferments and escaped service in Vietnam he mocks you and denigrates you as a non-war hero because he has a smart mouth and no respect.

Let me set the record straight. John McCain is a war hero and Trump and his toadies in the White House are assholes.

Trump is no equal to John McCain. McCain served with honor and was a prisoner of war. There is no evidence whatsoever he ever divulged information to the North Vietnamese. Fox News and the Trump White House are despicable pieces of crap for the abominable horrendous cursed words that emanated from their poison mouths.

CitizenOne

May 12, 2018 at 1:32 am

Comments on the murderous ill wishes for an untimely death of John McCain by the White House:

Trump’s White House representative’s death wish for John McCain dismissing his opposition for the nomination of the CIA Director because “he is dying” speaks volumes especially since Trump has not apologized for or fired Kelly Sadler for saying about John McCain’s opposition to the nominee Gina Haspel for CIA Director “It doesn’t matter, he’s dying anyway.”

This callous statement by itself wishes that John McCain had died in a Vietnamese torture prison rather than be alive today to oppose the nomination of a torturer to become the head of the CIA. It also discounts his experiences in a series of events which miraculously resulted in his survival of not only captivity in a Vietnamese prison as a prisoner of war but a survivor of a disaster on board a Navy carrier in an explosion which he miraculously escaped from.

Perhaps the wishes of the White House absent of the firing of Kelly Sadler are proof of the long standing Fued between McCain and Trump wherein Trump dismissed McCain as being a “loser” for being capture after being shot down over the skies in Vietnam.

Trump said about John McCain: “He’s not a war hero. He’s a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured.”

Trump must therefor like himself for receiving five deferments and for avoiding service in the the Vietnam War while John McCain was being tortured in a Vietnamese POW internment prison.

Trump said “I like people who weren’t captured.”. Perhaps he likes himself even more since he didn’t even serve. Five deferments and he never even served in the military service of our Nation but he callously disrespects McCain because he was captured by the Vietnamese and held captive as a prisoner of war.

What is this President? Who are the vile and disreputable employees he has in his White House? What is going on in the White House? The sound of silence is deafening. Trump needs to apologize for his staffers statements although that is not likely since he adulates Fox News which ran with the story that John McCain sang like a canary divulging information to the enemy and was called “Song Bird John” which is a complete lie.

Fox News has apologized for disrespecting McCain although they have not fired the host of the program.

It is time that Trump apologizes for the cruel and twisted comments that he and his staffers have lied about.

I disparage a murderous thug who never saw a problem that couldn’t be solved with sufficient fire power. His timely death may save some innocent lives as well. Those who speak lies and glorify evil have zero morals.

Ray Raven

May 16, 2018 at 5:59 am

Commiepinko-

As Skip says, McCain is “a murderous thug who never saw a problem that couldn’t be solved with sufficient fire power”.
He was a murderous thug during his over-extended life, he continues to be a murderous thug in his death throes and will continue to have been a murderous thug in death.
No need to present fake honour and respect just because the murderous thug is dying. I hope his death throes are extensive. How’s them morals ?

I just don’t see it. The world situation is not even close to what it was in 2003.

First, this is yet another “Israel-first” policy that has never sat well with the uniformed military who have also war-gamed the war many times and don’t like the results. The neocon ideology does not sit well with the uniformed services except the Air Force. This means that the “war” such as it is will be waged via air war which may have been successful in Libya but will not cause the Iranian people to rebel against their regime and will, instead, make them even more determined to resist and go all out to rain missiles and attacks on American bases and Israel. Without “boots of the ground” there is zero chance of long-term “success.” An Iran war, rather than cow the rest of the world, will increase the determination of other countries, led, ultimately, by China to resist the Washington Empire.

Second, any long-lasting war in the region and strong Iranian response will seriously effect the already skittish financial markets upon which the Washington Empire depends for material support. The finance oligarchs like low-level wars like Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, and the dozens of other minor action carried out by the Imperial armies and covert operators–but they don’t like large and dangerous wars where trade is disrupted. They are already operating on a narrow margin but are happy with the status-quo. A heavy-duty war that threatens to go global will cause the oligarchs to put pressure on the neoconservatives through changing the Narrative from the oligarch-owned and run propaganda organs who will turn on a dime when ordered to–and pro-war media will turn within one hour into vehemently anti-war media.

So, in terms of realpolitik, I just don’t see a war with Iran as a realistic possibility. I see no evidence that ideologues within the Deep State are running the show despite Bolton et. al. I’m sure someone from Goldman-Sachs will soon visit the WH and lay down the law. There has never been a serious split between the finance oligarchs and Washington since the coup of 1963.

Vivian O'Blivion

May 11, 2018 at 11:51 am

Yup, don’t see this beyond a limited air war (if that). The ability of the Revolutionary Guard to strike back by proxy in Afghanistan and elsewhere makes boots on the ground suicidal. Iranian oil and gas assets in the Gulf are vulnerable but the vast majority of population centres are up by the Caspian. Iran is a lot more homogeneous than Iraq. Some Sunni towns in the south east, but Sadam tried to cultivate trouble using that asset and the best he could manage was the London embassy siege.

mike k

May 11, 2018 at 12:33 pm

Another rationalist? When the missiles start flying, and Israel sustains some serious damage, the fog of war can quickly turn into a raging inferno engulfing us all. Because it hasn’t happened yet, you feel reassured? Don’t be. What is already happening (and I believe we are already at war) is that some madmen are playing with the real possibility of NUCLEAR WAR! That doesn’t make you nervous? What are you smoking, tell me because I probably need to get some too………..

Vivian O'Blivion

May 11, 2018 at 1:17 pm

This war could really be NUTS. Iran is the largest producer of pistachio nuts (230 k tonnes), America is second (108 k tonnes) the rest are small fry. By irradiating the Iranian pistachio plantations, the value of the American crop goes through the roof. Just a thought.

David G

May 11, 2018 at 5:41 pm

The U.S. still mints pennies because of the zinc lobby. So why not a war for the pistachio people?

Big pistachio has Stephen Colbert on the payroll as a spokesperson: maybe war with Iran could be the occasion for a big showbiz-style, hugs-and-tears, televised reconciliation between Stephen and Donald.

David G

May 11, 2018 at 5:27 pm

Big kudos from me – for whatever that’s worth to you – for beginning to look at the military question with some specificity, Vivian O’Blivion.

It seems many people opposed to war with Iran are nevertheless implicitly adopting some of the same fantasies of U.S. military omnipotence as infamous war hawks like John Bolton.

The military situation of the U.S. vis-à-vis Iran now is very much less to the U.S.’s advantage than it was against Iraq in 2003, or against Iran during the occupation of Iraq, which was the last time going to war against Iran was being seriously bruited about by the serious brutes.

On sites like CN, where the basic political depravity of the U.S.-Saudi-Israel axis is already widely understood, I am hoping to see some analysis beyond just the question of whether the U.S. will decide to squash Iran like a bug – as if it could.

Vivian O'Blivion

May 11, 2018 at 6:15 pm

Let’s face it the human race was a failed experiment. Too big toys, not enough big brains. Our false messiah was John Bolton and his ilk.

mike k

May 11, 2018 at 12:23 pm

All very rational Banger. But we are not dealing with people who operate rationally. Is the continued existence of nuclear weapons a rational decision, when it threatens billions of lives? Would you describe anything whatever being done by the government of the US as rational? Please……….

CitizenOne

May 12, 2018 at 11:00 pm

If you want to go on and you really want somebody to believe you, please provide some facts. In the “I just don’t see it” comment there are no facts at all there.

Could this make sense? Perhaps. But it could be a fantasy too.

How we distinguish between fantasy and fiction are facts which your comment is short on.

mike k

May 11, 2018 at 10:17 am

If Russia stands by and let’s Syria and then Iran be destroyed, then they have paved the way for their own destruction. The die is cast. Syria and Iran are the Rubicon the Empire must not be allowed to cross.

mike k

May 11, 2018 at 10:00 am

Putin’s excessive conciliation is emboldening the Empire to attack him. Time for Putin to stand firm – or go down. Appeasing a bully like the US does not work.

Al Pinto

May 11, 2018 at 9:45 am

I’ve probably missed it, but…

What are these different color and shape of icons suppose to indicate? The chances are that they are unique, randomly assigned icons to a person, or more accurately, to the person’s email address. Correct?

TIA…

Stephen P

May 11, 2018 at 9:36 am

I’m reading “Berlin Diary” by William L. Shirer. He was a CBS correspondent in Germany between 1934 and 1941. It’s striking to read the propaganda from the German media at that time. All the newspapers in 1939 were screaming about Polish aggression, as silly as that sounds today. However, the past informs the present. Every time you hear about “Russian aggression” or “Iranian imperialism” try and remember how ludicrous the idea was that Poland was about to invade Germany. In both cases just as nonsensical.
Did I just condemn modern day Washington and their media mouthpieces as Nazi’s? No, they condemn themselves. Karl Marx said something about History repeating itself, first as tragedy then as farce. Think of Bolton and Trump as well as CNN/Fox/MSNBC truly as farce.

Unfettered Fire

May 11, 2018 at 9:31 am

If the western empire loses one of its biggest austerity tools, oil price manipulation, neoliberalism will finally end, which it should have already. It’s been a horrific 40-yr. experiment by the Libertarians.

Al Pinto

May 11, 2018 at 9:03 am

I am getting tired of former CIA employees predicting the next steps in the Middle East. They have been part of the preparation for the previous wars in the ME, some of them more than others, and they did nothing to prevent them. They most certainly contributed to the gradual demise of the moral, democracy, freedom, etc., to the point, where we are now. So, don’t come to me now with this, quote:

“We have to be diligent in opposing this run into another war of choice. We can’t be tricked or taken by surprise. Not again.”

Where was your diligence in 2002, where was your opposition back then? Give me a break…

CIA officers must follow orders from the top. The CIA is and has always been, on the operations side, organized as a military force. Orders have to be followed. There has always been, as there in the military, factions that oppose imperialism but they cannot oppose decision made by the civilian leadership. The best they can do is drag their feet and delay which, I suspect, is what will happen in this latest move towards invading Iran. However, in order for them to do this the mainstream media needs to line-up behind the invasion and I see no evidence of that. The mainstream takes their orders from Washington normally but if Wall Street opposes a policy they will listen to Wall Street which is more powerful than Washington as we found out in 2008.

mike k

May 11, 2018 at 8:04 am

If Russia thinks they can hunker down within their own borders, and refuse to fight for Syria and Iran against the Empire’s increasing attacks, they are mistaken and will find themselves pushed into a corner, surrounded by their enemies and cut off from any outside help. Russia is being pushed to make a fateful decision: stand up to the Empire now, or die a slow death of a thousand cuts.

Russia cannot directly confront U.S. power in the region without more allies. I believe Putin is waiting for two things: 1) a move by Europe to start moving away as vassals of the Empire towards a more neutral position towards China and, eventually, Russia; and 2) a move by the finance oligarchs against disruption from useless war in the Middle East that will disrupt trade and cause the already skittish markets to move into gold and krypto. A war against Iran offers no benefits to anyone even the Israelis. It’s sheer idiocy and everyone who has some insight into the world as it really is knows that.

rosemerry

May 11, 2018 at 3:15 pm

Germany is probably the key. Its acceptance of the already burdensome sanctions and interference in Libya and Syria, with consequent arrival of escaping refugees coming to Germany, has made Merkel’s position difficult, but she may realise Russia and Germany must act strongly (Mayhem and Macrotte are ciphers) which is essential for any result.

david

May 11, 2018 at 10:29 pm

Who knows? Maybe China will have enough of this Evil Empire called the USA?

@ “Russia is being pushed to make a fateful decision: stand up to the Empire now, or die a slow death of a thousand cuts.”

Why fix what isn’t broken? Russia, Syria, Iran, and Hezbollah are winning the war in Syria; the jihadi mercenaries no longer pose an existential threat to the Syrian government. The Russian military isn’t being shot at there. The Trump Administration is trying to withdraw the U.S. military from Syria and replace them with a Egyptian/Arabian coalition. Trump seems to have decided that a general U.S. withdrawal from the Mideast is in order. Turkey won’t allow the U.S. to create a Kurdish state in northeastern Syria. Even Israel and the U.S. are no longer saying that Assad must go. And Russia is now the dominant great power in the Mideast.

Russia is limiting itself to ending the the jihadi mercenary threat in Syria and is abstaining from involvement in other regional powers’ occasional pot-shots at each other. It’s keeping a fairly neutral stance on those bits of drama so that it is poised to play the great power mediator role in constructing a lasting peace in the region.

I don’t foresee an all-out war by the U.S. against Iran. That nation has the undeniable ability to close the Strait of Hormuz and cut off all movement of some 30 percent of the world’s oil. That’s a hammer on a par with nuclear weapons. I just don’t see the U.S. provoking that result. Maybe some airstrikes of the kind the U.S. has twice thrown at Syria that do very little damage. But no ground invasion. And you can safely bet that Trump is being told that any attack on Iran will unite the Iranians behind their government and rule out fantasies of MEK toppling the Iranian leadership.

Iraq’s elections are today and Iran’s supporters are expected to expand their power. That could bode ill for the U.S./Saudi/Egyptian occupation of Syria east of the Euphrates River because that occupation depends heavily on ground transportation through either Iraq or Turkey. As mentioned before, Turkey is adamantly opposed to a Kurdish state being carved out there. If both Turkey and Iraq cut off the ground transportation for the U.S./Kurdish coalition and Turkey nixes further use of its Incirlik Air Base for air resupply, the U.S. would have little choice but to retreat from Syria.

In my view, Russia is playing a skillful game of chess in the Mideast while the U.S. plays checkers. While I too feel the urge for some decisive action that ends the suspense, a shooting war between all concerned is not the way to do it.

The Israeli government wants to play the wild card role. But Israel will not send in ground troops; that nation is as casualty adverse as the U.S. And Russia has the option of beefing up the Syrian government’s air defenses to put a stop to Israel’s air attacks, which it has hinted it may do.

In sum, I just don’t see anything realistic that the U.S. could do to upset Russia’s apple cart in the Mideast short of setting off World War III. And why should Russia destroy that position by confronting the U.S. militarily? Its present strategy is working very well.

Sam F

May 12, 2018 at 9:25 am

Interesting thoughts; thank you.

Realist

May 13, 2018 at 4:09 am

Paul Merrell has made many well-reasoned comments on the conflicts ongoing in the Middle East. Let us hope that Donald Trump and/or whoever is calling the shots for Washington on these matters employs reason.

Mr. Merrell seems to represent one end of the spectrum that believes there is simply too much for all sides to lose by allowing any major conflict to break out involving the major powers (i.e., Washington and Moscow) and so it probably won’t happen (though it still could). Forgive me if I’ve oversimplified or misunderstood.

The other end of the spectrum seems to think that unless Russia takes a stand and starts fighting back, specifically at Israeli and American forces which aggress anywhere they choose with impunity, the bullies will become unstoppable, force regime changes throughout the Middle East and ultimately isolate and destabilize Russia itself. Then onto China.

The latter camp, encompassing bloggers like the Saker and Paul Craig Roberts, right now seem as afraid that Russia’s present inaction (nay, being outright mocked by Netanhayoo’s incursions into Syria even while visiting Moscow) will lead to WWIII by encouraging American aggression just as Mr. Merrell fears an overreaction defending “red lines” and leading to the same catastrophe.

Up to now, I’ve considered Putin wise in keeping his powder dry, basically for the reasons outlined by Mr. Merrell: Putin’s ahead, though not by much, in a very slowly developing chess game which can all come to naught if the opponent simply overturns the board in an impetuous fit. So, Putin has to be careful to not only play the game but properly stroke the ego’s of the opposition. The big question is will the Americans accept at least a metastable status quo where they still have a lot of hand, or will they foolishly try to settle all family business in one big shoot out? Can they accept any model in which they are not the sole unipolar power across the entire globe? Must they call the shots in every friggin country?

Before it moves to take down Syria, Iran or Russia, Washington must ask itself, can today, wherein Syria, Iran and Russia are still viable independent societies and functional polities in the global order, whether our leaders like them or not, be so much worse than a tomorrow when all these places, plus North America and the European subcontinent lie in ashes and the Earth suffers through a nuclear winter? Short of that, is it a moral act to kill millions in a war essentially so a Washington-led political faction can dominate other populations half-way round the world totally unrelated to them by genetics, religion or ethnicity? Isn’t this just a “destroying the village to save it” mentality written on a much larger scale? What is our claim to run the lives of these people (at least the ones who survive)?

Of course, a rational person says, hold the phone, lets make some compromises to prevent such insanity. I’ve no doubt that Putin, Assad and Rhouhani are sane and rational–they’ve been bending over backwards to accommodate their avowed opponents in the West. I hope that the leaders of Europe are both, though they are clearly cowed by Washington. The great unknown dwells in Washington. How far will it push its favored strategy of fear and intimidation? Short of total war? Or will it smarten up only after it is too late?

Sam F

May 13, 2018 at 9:39 pm

I am equally unsure of the outcome under the circumstances, so did not have a prompt reply.

Dave P.

May 14, 2018 at 12:54 am

Paul Merrell, Realist – Commendable posts, as always. I always keep hoping that good sense will prevail in Washington. But with people like Bolton, Pompeo in charge of the foreign policy, one can never tell what is coming. It seems to be getting crazier and crazier. This tweet by our new ambassador in Germany was something else. That is where we are now.

backwardsevolution

May 12, 2018 at 11:03 am

Paul – your post makes good sense. It also has put my mind at ease a little bit more today. I hope you’re right. Thanks.

Trump appeared to be somewhat zombified during his reading of the decision to withdraw from the agreement. My hope is that he was play acting, as the POW’s in The Hanoi Hilton used to be, and that arrests are coming. Such is the thin thread of hope that Humanity dangles by.

David G

May 11, 2018 at 4:56 pm

Every once in a while, it is made clear to Trump – and he submits to it – that he has to read exactly what is on the teleprompter, with no ad libs. When he does so, that is what it looks like.

Even these morons recognize that the stakes are too high for Trump to just start improvising about Iran or to drift into boasting about his inauguration crowd size, but there’s no other significance to what you observed, RnM.

mike k

May 11, 2018 at 7:07 am

It is now time for Russia to declare Iran to be an ally, and commit to defending it by all means if it is attacked. If they do not do this right away, then they will in due time fall prey to the Empire’s War Machine. With Putin’s March announcement of Russia’s new weapons, the Pentagon realized that time was not on their side, and so they have stepped up the preliminary attacks on Syria and Iran. It is time for Putin to make his stand, lest he meet the fate that all appeasers meet. Iran is the front line of America’s war on Russia – THIS RED LINE MUST BE DEFENDED AT ALL COSTS. There is still a chance to avoid all out nuclear war if Russia stands firm and uses it’s new conventional weapons to defend Iran.

mike k

May 11, 2018 at 7:12 am

For Russia, defending Iran is crucial for defending Russia. This is the line where the Empire must be stopped.

mike k

May 11, 2018 at 7:19 am

If Iran is allowed to fall to the Empire, then soon thereafter Russia will find itself trying to negotiate terms of surrender to the Empire. And of course, China will be easy to conquer after that.

michael

May 11, 2018 at 8:28 am

Politically it is critical for both Russia and China to openly declare a protective treaty with Iran a much stronger deterrence than Russia alone. I don’t see China willingly giving up its huge trade surplus with the US, but an open alliance would slow the push for War and force the EU at least on the fence. And Pompeo and Bolton do not have the (fake) credibility that Colin Powell had when he convinced the world that Iraq was a threat. But if War with Iran is inevitable due to Israeli and Saudi pressures, does it matter who array themselves for the conflict ahead?

Al Pinto

May 11, 2018 at 8:20 am

Russia will not defend Iran, just like it did not defend Syria couple of weeks ego against allied forces missile attack. Nor did Russia defend the Iranians against the Israeli attack couple of days ego. In both cases, Russia had been informed about the pending attacks and they did nothing to protect Syria, their intended purpose in Syria, and Iranian military bases. And that despite the fact, that Russia has stated, that they will shut down the missiles and attack its origin.

The two attacks are nothing more, but testing the Russians’ willingness to actually live up to their words. And they failed miserably to say the least. The reason for this failure might be due to lack of military capabilities, or the allied forces made them believe that this is just a limited attack without touching Russian forces. Either way, what the allied forces learned about Russia will be invaluable in planning and executing an attack against Iran. By the time Russia realize, that the allied forces have been stringing them along, it’ll be too late. Their number will be up..

The sad part in the current events is the lack of international response condemning these attacks, I am looking at you UN. Unfortunately, the aggression by allied forces and their “friends” had became the international norm. There are really just two countries have left, as you indicated, that could curtail these aggressions. Unfortunately, neither of them have any interest in preventing these actions. They don’t realize, that once Russia falls in line one way or another, China has no chance to stand on its own…

@ “And that despite the fact, that Russia has stated, that they will shut down the missiles and attack its origin.”

No. Russia said it would destroy the missiles and their sources *if members of the Russian military were attacked.*

Sam F

May 11, 2018 at 1:26 pm

Yes, this must be close to a red line for Russia, as clearly the US intent has been not only to do as the zionists demand, but to disable Russia’s distant navy in Crimea and Tartus, and create havoc on its borders and with subversion operations.

China saw that coming during the Korean War when MacArthur pushed toward its border against its warnings to Truman, and decided to fight the war in the buffer state rather than on its own soil. Of course Russia has seen this in Georgia and Ukraine, so neither are under illusions.

The suggestion of Russia ramping up to defend Syria/Iran airspace may be the most peaceful solution, if they have the equipment yet and find it politically feasible. Taking out Israeli equipment in Syria cannot be seen as aggression, and even Israeli escalation to nukes in Syria/Iran could be under-retaliated in kind in Israel, in some way that avoids US involvement but deters Israel.

I have the feeling that there will be a change soon that creates a better balance in favor of Iran.

said n.

May 11, 2018 at 7:04 am

iran will be attaked from afganistan iraq syria israel and sea. last stage will include ground troops on the battelfield and logistics . of course msm will be there . iran should fight asumetrically or hide all assets and comand and control bodies. disperse troops to separate self operated and suplied divisions to win need to control positions and inflict very heavy losses in enemy.

david

May 11, 2018 at 10:34 pm

Look at a map of the US installations surrounding Iran plus the Navy in the Persian Gulf. Last count was 42 installations

Vivian O'Blivion

May 11, 2018 at 6:09 am

If Bolton gets his way, it will be war for sure. I understand that Bolton is beyond the spectrum of “normal”, but attending a conference of Mojahedin-eKhalq earlier this year is frankly terrifying,

Bolton is deranged, Iran is not Iraq. The people of Iraq were frankly nonplussed by Ahmed Chalabi and his Iraqi National Congress having never heard of this emigre talking shop. The Iranian people know MEK, and they rightly despise them. The idea of the MEK heading Iranian regime change is beyond delusional.

Best hope is that in sabotaging the Iran deal, Trump will have satiated his infantile, primal need to “revenge himself against Obama” and listen to his isolationist instincts.

RnM

May 11, 2018 at 7:08 am

And, that Bolton’s commission of egregiously poor National Security advisement leads to his long-deserved military tribunal for sedition and treason against We The People, in favor of his true loyalties.

john wilson

May 11, 2018 at 4:58 am

I see the US is insisting that although they no longer recognize the JCPOA they are still insisting that Iran comply with its provisions and adhere to inspections. The cheek of these criminals knows no bounds.

Yes, john I have been thinking the same thing! “We have no deal and we expect you to honor it!”

john wilson

May 11, 2018 at 4:41 am

Whilst comments and insight from a former CIA agent are always welcome, he hardly tells us anything that even people with half a brain can’t see. The problem as I see it, is that most people have a completely closed mind when it comes to what their governments tell them. If the state and media says its true, then its true and not up for questioning. In the latest ludicrous Syrian chemical weapons false flag, people still accepted the government line even though they could actually see some fool with a hosepipe washing away a deadly chemical. As if this wasn’t enough, when a small boy in the white helmets video later appeared quite healthy and gave compelling evidence, the public still didn’t believe it was a false flag. Only yesterday in the British parliament some fool from the Labour side asked prime minister May to confirm that the UK would continue to fund the white helmets as the US have apparently stopped their funding. When she confirmed that the UK would continue to fund this outfit, she got a cheer of approval from many of the MP’s on both sides of the parliament. Its not that the public are stupid, so are many of their representatives in government.

ToivoS

May 11, 2018 at 3:08 am

“Our government is laying the groundwork for yet another war. ”

I agree with this but there is one big difference between 2002 and today. Europe knows they were duped in 2002 so it seems very unlikely they will fall for it this time. Maybe Britain will join yet again such an adventure but it should be obvious that the continent will resist. This time actively, on the diplomatic front, and not just passively by refusing to join the war.

I am trying to be optimistic. On the other hand, maybe what Europe thinks is totally irrelevant.

john wilson

May 11, 2018 at 4:46 am

Toivos, it didn’t stop France for bombing Syria for the ludicrous false flag chemical incident only a few weeks back. That was an act of war if ever there was one. If a major European country (France) can be persuaded to attack on the basis of some fool with a hosepipe apparently washing off some supposed deadly chemical, then Europe will fall into line like kids chasing candy.

Seer

May 11, 2018 at 6:50 am

Unlike the illegal offensive war crimes committed against Iraq in which the bullies were able to swoop in uncontested, any such actions against Iran WILL be contested by Russia and China. THIS is MUCH bigger. This is world war stuff.

Consider that this is the fight for the survival of the petro-dollar. Russia, China and Iran are all now trading outside the USD. If Russia, China and Iran are going to free themselves from the USD Ponzi scheme they pretty much have to make a stand here. Perhaps better to get “to it” now rather than when the likes of Saudi Arabia get nukes: Saudis are saying they’ll develop nukes if Iran does: Iran is FAR more stable than SA (Whabbi-ists with nukes; it’ll be like retarded Zionists with nukes).

TS

May 11, 2018 at 4:01 pm

> Europe knows they were duped in 2002 so it seems very unlikely they will fall for it this time.

Since all the significant governments in Europe must have known in 2002 already that they had been duped over Afghanistan (or else they should have fired all their intelligence services for total incompetence), there is no reason they shouldn’t fall in line this time, too.

Kozmo

May 11, 2018 at 2:40 am

There should be a plan in place for activists in the US to go on strike immediately an American attack on Iran is made. Don’t go to wok or school, don’t go out and shop or spend money. Refuse to cooperate with a warmongering state. A true million-man/woman march on Washington could shut the country down. Bring the government to a standstill and demonstrate our refusal to allow this.

Of course, millions worldwide marched against an invasion of Iraq, and that changed absolutely nothing.

john wilson

May 11, 2018 at 4:49 am

Kozmo, there are hundreds of millions of totally stupid people who believe anything their government tells them and then there are a few hundred activists who know its all lies. A strike by them would be like one less raindrop in a thunderstorm.

RnM

May 11, 2018 at 7:18 am

A boycott of MSM advertisers could work, but I fear that the time may be short, and that tye groundwork against that happening by a mass movement in such a feel-good consumerist American Public, with diminshed historical perspective, has already been laid down. Yipes!

rosemerry

May 11, 2018 at 3:22 pm

If only. Sometimes I think the whole American public are asleep, or believing the unified cries of shock about stupid details of SCROTUS alleged sex life and ignoring possible conflagration involving million of real humans. Iran is punished for keeping to a deal, for never attacking any other nations, and all the rest of humanity is to be punished for daring to deal with Iran the virtuous. Thei is democracy and world leadership?

Kozmo

May 11, 2018 at 2:33 am

As canny as the Iranians are, they made a big mistake by NOT pursuing nuclear weapons back when they had a decent chance of pulling it off, a la No. Korea, and thus establishing a kind of deterrent they now lack. Didn’t the mullahs learn anything by watching what happens to countries/leaders that Uncle Sam wants squashed? One thing they had in common — no nuclear capacity. So far that seems to be the only thing keeping rampant American hegemonists in check. The US will never get tired of war evidently until it feels the true human costs, so only another defeat or a disastrous miscalculation is going to change this equation. I worry that any false flag attack (Mossad?) or manufactured crisis is going to be the excuse for the US to do what Israel has been angling for all along, along with the Washington liars and crooks and the rabid right wing public.

Seer

May 11, 2018 at 7:00 am

I wouldn’t totally “despair” over Iran not having built nukes. Russia has their back: expect that Russia will be re-targeting.

As I note above, this is a fight for the survival of the USD (petro-dollar scheme). Iran’s trading outside the USD (and?, SWIFT) has now earned them the label “terrorist.” But, their non-USD trade partners using non-USD are Russia and China, both of which know that this is the game that they MUST protect. Contrary to western folklore it was the Russians who defeated Hitler; the US, then, has no legitimate notch on its belt of “large wars won.” This is in Russia’s and China’s backyard. US would be on a suicide mission. BUT, Ponzi schemes ONLY have such a trajectory; all that would ever be changed is the timing in which the US would collapse.

@ Kozmo: “As canny as the Iranians are, they made a big mistake by NOT pursuing nuclear weapons back when they had a decent chance of pulling it off, a la No. Korea, and thus establishing a kind of deterrent they now lack.”

The Iranians have a far stronger deterrent than the very few nuclear weapons they would have been able to build by now. They have the unfettered ability to close the Strait of Hormuz with lots of anti-ship missiles dug into the mountains to the north and a very large dispersed fleet of mine-laying fast boats and mini-submarines, plus wake-following torpedoes and ship-to-ship missiles. That would cut off about 30 percent of the world’s oil supply and devastate the western economies. Tests of U.S. Navy minesweepers a very few years ago had abysmal results, finding only 2 out of 20 dummy mines. Clearing the Strait of mines would take quite awhile.

“The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey, took seriously the Iranian threats this month [January 2012]. Speaking on the CBS news show, Face the Nation, on Jan. 8, he admitted: “They’ve invested in capabilities that could, in fact, for a period of time block the Strait of Hormuz.” But he added: “We’ve invested in capabilities to ensure that if that happens, we can defeat that. And so the simple answer is yes, they can block it.””

Wash ,Lather and rinse.
Was anybody surprised. The whole JCPOA from its conception was all Kabouki theatre.
The whole sceenario was baked in the cake.
John Kerry’s words at senate hearing trying to sell the deal. We can walk away from this at any time we like
Hillary Clinton at 2015 Aipac conference. This gives us more leverage and we will bomb Iran if Israel feels threatened .
So Wash ,lather and repeat.
The anglo-zionist play book hasn’t changed 1967 anyone. US liberty 6 day war to this day. History will always repepat it self if one does not really look at the past with an open mind.

Toxik

May 11, 2018 at 12:19 am

true. time to break out the popcorn and turn up the volume.

backwardsevolution

May 11, 2018 at 1:11 am

falcemartello – “The whole JCPOA from its conception was all Kabouki theatre.”

Yep, just one great big pile of bullsh*t. A phony deal they never planned on honoring. Just a stall tactic while they destroyed Syria. Iran is not interested in destroying Israel, but the West is going to make out like they are. They want that corridor (Iran, Iraq, Syria). I only hope that Iran was smart, didn’t trust the agreement, and WAS working on beefing up their military capabilities.

Realist

May 11, 2018 at 2:59 am

If the Iranians were smart, they will have purchased as many of those “carrier killer” missiles from China as possible. Or get some Fedexed over pronto. Their own home-made missiles, which the Israelis like to bellyache about as existential threats, are just bottle rockets by comparison. Also hope they bought as many Russian S-300’s as possible, because they will need them.

America blatantly destroys civilian targets and critical infrastructure, not just military targets. Look what Washington did to Germany, Japan, North Korea, Vietnam, Serbia, Iraq, Libya, Syria… every nation it has ever attacked. Even Panama City was leveled and many civilians killed. Even the primitive Houthis in Yemen are being sent back to the pre-stone age! It just aims to massacre the entire target country… including hospitals and wedding parties.

That’s why it uses descriptors like “Shock and Awe” for operations and weapons like napalm, white phosphorus, cluster bombs and predator drones (all illegal war crimes). Of course, it always makes sure to include terms like “freedom,” “democracy” and “liberation” to characterise the overarching action, rather than being honest and objective and calling it what it is: “Operation Iraqi Massacre,” “Operation Syrian Slaughter” or “the Great Iranian Extermination.”

This will again be a totally one-sided “turkey shoot” type war wherein Washington uses all of its modern space-age technology to beseige and bombard the victim country which will have absolutely no capacity to get in even a single offensive lick against the attacker. The only chance of that would be for the Iranians to get their hands on some of the infamous Chinese “carrier killer” missiles, or Russia’s new hypersonic babies just unveiled. But that probably won’t happen because Washington would immediately expand the war to China and/or Russia if it did.

So, all the world can do is sit and watch Iran (and Syria) be methodically demolished by American, Israeli and Saudi missiles and fighter jets, pretend it is all in the name of freedom and democracy, and keep its collective mouth shut about the crimes against humanity. Even the pope will keep his trap shut.

Skip Scott

May 11, 2018 at 6:56 am

I think our only hope would be for Russia and China to come to the rescue. They need to make a VERY public statement that they will not tolerate another illegal war by the USA, and will come to the aid of Iran if they are attacked. The evil imperialists only understand raw power, there are no other considerations. They need to be brought to heel by the threat of overwhelming force.

david

May 11, 2018 at 10:40 pm

Could not agree with you more Skip

Sam F

May 11, 2018 at 7:43 am

Russia could certainly install enough S-3/400s to close the Syria/Iran airspace, and may be waiting for production. It is not clear that the US would “expand the war to China and/or Russia” in that case. Unlike the Afghan/Iraq case, the US clearly has no goal here but getting Israeli campaign bribes. Even these distant rumblings have sharply increased fuel prices, and the people know why.

Homina

May 11, 2018 at 5:56 pm

It’s quite possible Iran’s submarines could sink any US naval vessels in reach.

Precisely! If Trump didn’t break the deal they would have framed Iran & accused it of not honoring the deal. Plus politicos got huge kickbacks/bribes, most notably Kerry

rosemerry

May 11, 2018 at 3:27 pm

Correct- if the USA does join international agreements, it does not take them seriously. Notice that one of the alleged worries of Trump/Netanyahu is not nuclear but ballistic missiles, but it was George W Bush who withdrew the USA from the Treaty, and from 2004 Pres. Putin has been warning the USA and trying to arrange talks because of the importance of such a treaty. Trump probably does not even know.

david

May 11, 2018 at 10:38 pm

Don’t forget Operation Susannah

JC

May 10, 2018 at 11:48 pm

G00D LUCK THE STUPID USA IS TO GOD DAM DUMB TO STOP ANYTHING …DONT CARE ABOUT HOW HIGH GAS PRICES ARE ARE INTERESTS RATES JUST AS LONG AS TALOR WHIFT IS HOT OR NOT…..THE ONLY REASON THE VEITNAM LIE STOP WAS BECAUSE OF THE DRAFT…

Toxik

May 10, 2018 at 11:33 pm

This war will be disasterous for everyone. I can see the Iranian missiles going to all the US military bases, including the 5th Fleet at Qatar. The US, and its lackeys, will have to put boots on the ground. Then, the real war begins. The Iraq invasion will look like Grenada. Iraqis will turn on the US military personnel there again. Russia and China has to intervene on the Iranian side to stop this madness.

…
I believe a war with Iran could be the end for our supposedly “civilized” world. Just look at the state of the countries in the Middle East that have already been subjected to the planned wars of the war criminals in our midst. War with Iran will be the final nail in the coffin of this planet, we all live on. And will it all be based on a big lie by those who are maniacs of militarism and who appear to take their orders from countries with a vested interest in all out bloody war with Iran?…
[read more at link below]http://graysinfo.blogspot.ca/2017/02/will-there-be-war-with-iran.html

Joe Tedesky

May 10, 2018 at 10:49 pm

To get a grip on what is likely to happen in regard to how the U.S. will respond, you would do well to read the Brookings Institute’s ‘Which Path to Persia, Options for a New American Strategy Toward Iran’. Page 89 under Chapter 5 Leave it to Bibi, Allowing or Encouraging an Israeli Military Strike, it starts off with this;

“crisis after crisis has arisen between Iran and the United States but Iran has never been and almost certainly never will be an existential threat to the United States . It harbors no territorial designs on the United States, has never conducted a terrorist operation aimed at the American homeland, and, even should it acquire nuclear weapons, lacks the delivery systems to threaten the United States directly. Further, its economy is anemic, and even if substantially reformed, will probably never provide the base for Iran to make itself a challenger to the United states on par with Nazi Germany, imperial Japan, the soviet Union, or communist China”

Then you will read this;

“But for Israel, Iran is a much more dangerous opponent—it is close and threatening. There is a virtual consensus in Israel that Iran cannot be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. From left to right across the political spectrum, a great many Israeli’s see a threat to their very survival from a nuclear Iran.”

I would suggest you all read the Brookings Institutes ‘Which Path to Persia’. Also by all appearances the U.S. is following this Brookings plan to the tee.

There should be no dispute now that the U.S. is Israel’s Army. What we are seeing is Adelson, Sabin, Singer, and the AIPAC Lobby’s money go to work for them. Israel has most definitely bought and paid for, through not just bribes but through blackmail the American politician. What should amaze us American citizens, and disappoint us all the more, is how Israël has done this all on such a grand scale. Utterly amazing, and frightfully shocking, how the hijacking of America by the Israeli’s has gone so well for the Zionist. Please pass the channel changer.

“Utterly amazing, and frightfully shocking, how the hijacking of America by the Israeli’s has gone so well for the Zionist. Please pass the channel changer.”

And once you change the channel, you will see all the proof of how Russia interfered with the 2016 election. Just semi kidding…

Vesuvius

May 11, 2018 at 12:02 pm

Quite. We have seen this movie before.

Also, remember John J. Mearsheimer and Stephen M. Walt: “The Israel Lobby”, considered so outrageous when it was published in 2007, critiques ridiculously argued in vain that “there is no such Lobby”. In Part II of the book, Chapter 10 is titled “Iran in the Crosshairs”. Yes, that was the idea already back then; after a quick fix in Iraq, the real objective was to take down Iran, marching orders from Zionist Israel.

rosemerry

May 11, 2018 at 3:31 pm

Yet we are told by all the media that it is the evil Russia that interferes. If only the US Presidents tried to listen to Putin’s advice and suggestions from time to time, they might help someone other than the weapons manufacturers.

James Paine

May 12, 2018 at 3:14 pm

Thanks, Joe, for your reference. The article is from 2009. Any update in their analysis, etc.? Relevance ten years later? Also, any comment on the biases and agendas of some of the well-known authors among the group? Martin Indyk? Ken Pollack? Michael O’Hanlon? Bruce Rieidel? ciao.